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He looks at my suitcase and back up to my face -- and I stare back in resolute silence

"I understand," he says at last "It’s none of my business"

He looks so defeated, I feel a sudden stab of pain in my chest I want to tell hi about it, listening to ht choice I can’t risk changing ht "And… and you’ve got to get back to yourpause "Yes You’re right I’ll go I’ll go now" He stands up and reaches into his pocket "Just… one last thing You don’t want to forget this"

Very slowly, he pulls out a long, pale blue, silk and velvet scarf, scattered with iridescent beads

My scarf My Denny and George scarf

I feel the blood drain from my face

"How did you--" I s "The bidder on the phone was you? But… but you withdrew The other bidder got the--" I tail off and stare at him in confusion

"Both the bidders were ently round my neck, looks at me for a few seconds, then kisses me on the forehead Then he turns round and walks away, into the airport crowds

Seventeen

Two Months Later

OK SO IT’S TWO PRESENTATIONS, one to Saatchis, one to Global Bank One awards lunch with McKinseys, and dinner with Merrill Lynch"

"That’s it It’s a lot I know"

"It’ll be fine," I say reassuringly "It’ll be fine"

I scribble so hard This is the e Here’s the puzzle -- find the solution For a fewendless s my mind work it out, while Lalla watches me anxiously

"OK," I say at last "I have it Your Hels, your Jil Sander dress for the lunch -- and we’ll find you so in a deep green"

"I can’t wear green," says Lalla